Jennie Jones

With each new book release, or various published formats of my novels, I love organising my own personal bookshelf. It's my little "look what you did" corner. Sometimes I look at that shelf and wonder how the hell I managed to write all those books! (Ninth out in March with two more written and no less than three on the go in plotting or idea stage.)

I don't re-read my books once they're out there in the shops or on digital platforms, I just kiss them goodbye after the editing process and move on to the next story. But occasionally I might flick through one and often find bits I'd completely forgotten about! ​​

I made the finals this year! This is a huge thrill. Thanks so much to all of you who took the time to vote for me in the heats—I couldn’t be prouder (or more shocked to have made it this far). It’s now time to vote again to see the 76 author finalists into the last TOP 50, and you can vote for as many as you’d like to. It's also quick and easy to vote - no dramas.

​With the smaller paperback version of A Place to Stay coming out in the shops and bookstores 19th February, and the 2nd book in my Rangelands series, A Place with Heart releasing 19th March – I can’t end this short post without sending an equally huge thanks to my publisher Harlequin (Australia), both MIRA and Escape Publishing, for starting me on this journey.

I am so happy with the cover of my next release, that I keep jotting down dialogue and abstract scenes for a possible third book in this series. I find it that evocative. I hope you like it as much as I do. (Thanks to the Harlequin team for this cover - I think they nailed it.)

Releasing with Harper Collins/Harlequin MIRA on 18th March 2018​in both eBook and paperback.Buy now from your preferred online retailer.

Like you, I love a good book, but when you’re writing lots of books, it can be hard to remove yourself from the craft of writing and just sit back and devour the story. In the next few weeks I’m going to be sharing books I’ve read recently which will be on my Keeper’s Shelf because I simply devoured them and got totally lost in them.

Dear Banjo by Sasha Wasley

Plus – there’s a giveaway!​GIVEAWAY NOW ENDED​A signed paperback copy of Dear Banjo direct to you from Sasha Wasley.

​(Giveaway is for Australian postal addressees only.Giveaway ends midnight Sunday 30 July Western Australia time)

Why It's On My Keeper's Shelf

​​Tom’s letters were simply amazing. Beautifully written from the heart and soul of a young man we come to understand first from these letters. I couldn’t wait to meet this man in person, on the page, and he didn’t disappoint. My heart went out to Tom, and particularly to Willow (Banjo) for what had obviously gone wrong between them ten years ago, after such a true, tried and tested friendship in youth. This story reminded me of how easily we can attach ourselves to someone who might be a soulmate without realising it, but how life can throw sticks and stones and change us as we grow to adulthood. The plus for me about Dear Banjo was that a cattle station’s daughter, Willow ‘Banjo’ Paterson, is a dedicated cattle farmer, a vegetarian, and wants wholeheartedly and determinedly to turn her family’s business around to a sustainable organic station – yet Willow is not dogmatic about this. She's undeterred but understands the history; how the employees on the station have worked to date. She also sees her father's love but concern about what he views as possible radical change. Also, there was a little bit of suspense outside of the love story, and I always love a bit of mystery. If you’re keen to read a new author, I highly recommend Dear Banjo. It’s on my Keeper’s Shelf and I will definitely be reading it again.

The Story Blurb

They were best friends who were never meant to fall in love - but for one of them, it was already way too late.

Like you, I love a good book, but when you’re writing lots of books, it can be hard to remove yourself from the craft of writing and just sit back and devour the story. In the next few weeks I’m going to be sharing books I’ve read recently which will be on my Keeper’s Shelf because I simply devoured them and got totally lost in them.

In at the Deep End by Penelope Janu

Plus – there’s a giveaway!​A signed paperback copy of In at the Deep End direct to you from Penelope Janu.

​(Giveaway is for Australian postal addressees only.Giveaway ends midnight Sunday 30 July Western Australia time)

Why It's On My Keeper's Shelf

​This one gave me all the smiles and all the tender moments. There was a gentleness about so many of the characters and I fell for each of them, regardless of their plights in life or what life has thrown them. My heart particularly went to Drew, although Penelope has written his character so well that you smile when he’s on the page. Harry (Harriet) and Per are exceptionally well characterized, surprising me on many occasions! I loved both, and had to keep turning the page to discover exactly how they were going to get over everything they were placing in each other’s way. The plus for me with In at the Deep End was the setting which was interwoven beautifully with the story content. Alongside the painful issues the characters are fighting to get over, we have the environment, the beach, adventurers, ships, Antarctica, Australia, and Norway. Penelope Janu blended everything perfectly, and gave me a story I’d read again.

Seven sleeps until The House on Jindalee Lane is released into the wilds.

When I first met the amazing Barbara Hannay I was a hopeful writer. One day, I thought, I might get published too. The next year, my dream came true.

To have a new release out in paperback and eBook in the same week as Ms Hannay (Barb to her friends - and oh, my gosh! I know her, folks!) is totally thrilling. She is an amazing writer and is a truly much-loved author and person. The Country Wedding will be top of my TBR pile as soon as I spot it in the shops.